This year has challenged us all – as individuals, as families, as organizations, as a community, and as a nation. I continue to be awed by the way I’ve seen our FOCUS-trained leaders step up, from working on the front lines of the pandemic to looking out for the most vulnerable in our community to continuing the fight for equity and justice in St. Louis and beyond.
“It is only in our darkest hours that we may discover the true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed.” – Doe Zantamata
I’m grateful for the light that I see in so many of you – and in how you share that light in our region.
>> Thank you to our recent graduates and current program participants for your resiliency, creativity and flexibility that have helped to keep our programs vibrant and thriving.
>> Thank you to our members whose continued commitment to FOCUS makes everything we do possible.
>> Thank you to our corporate and foundation supporters who have stepped up their generous support, funding more scholarships than ever before.
>> Thank you to our FOCUS board and volunteers, whose leadership has been instrumental along this uncharted path.
Despite the challenges, I hope you too are still able to find things for which to be grateful and ways to show that gratitude.
Wishing you and yours a safe and healthy holiday and the blessing of hope this Thanksgiving Day!
With gratitude,
Yemi Akande-Bartsch, Ph.D.
President & CEO
FOCUS St. Louis